US6358326B1 - Process for the preparation of flexible blocks from photopolymer plates using offset brushes - Google Patents

Process for the preparation of flexible blocks from photopolymer plates using offset brushes Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US6358326B1
US6358326B1 US09/440,916 US44091699A US6358326B1 US 6358326 B1 US6358326 B1 US 6358326B1 US 44091699 A US44091699 A US 44091699A US 6358326 B1 US6358326 B1 US 6358326B1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
brushes
brush
brushing
sheet
row
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
US09/440,916
Inventor
David Brazier
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
HEIGHTS UK Ltd
Original Assignee
Photomeca/Egg
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Photomeca/Egg filed Critical Photomeca/Egg
Assigned to PHOTOMECA/EGG reassignment PHOTOMECA/EGG ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BRAZIER, DAVID
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US6358326B1 publication Critical patent/US6358326B1/en
Assigned to HEIGHTS FRANCE SAS reassignment HEIGHTS FRANCE SAS CHANGE OF NAME (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: PHOTOMECA/EGG
Assigned to HEIGHTS (UK) LIMITED reassignment HEIGHTS (UK) LIMITED ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: HEIGHTS FRANCE SAS
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G03PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03FPHOTOMECHANICAL PRODUCTION OF TEXTURED OR PATTERNED SURFACES, e.g. FOR PRINTING, FOR PROCESSING OF SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; MATERIALS THEREFOR; ORIGINALS THEREFOR; APPARATUS SPECIALLY ADAPTED THEREFOR
    • G03F7/00Photomechanical, e.g. photolithographic, production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. printing surfaces; Materials therefor, e.g. comprising photoresists; Apparatus specially adapted therefor
    • G03F7/26Processing photosensitive materials; Apparatus therefor
    • G03F7/30Imagewise removal using liquid means

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to a method for producing flexible plates from a photopolymer sheet. Such plates are usable for producing printed matter which is printed using a flexographic, letterpress or dry-offset printing method. More particularly, the present invention relates to the step of brushing the photopolymer sheet used for making such plates, and to a device for implementing the method of the present invention.
  • Flexible plates are usually produced by exposing a sensitive sheet of photopolymer material to ultraviolet radiation, with the interposition of a negative film which leaves those zones which need to appear in relief on the plate when the plate is finished exposed to the radiation. The radiation hardens the exposed zones. The material of the protected surface is then removed by brushing the photopolymer sheet using flat or rotary brushes, and a solvent or an aqueous base, depending on the type of sheet.
  • the exposed face of the sheet is brushed by a brush assembly made up of a row of flat brushes with essentially rectangular brushing surfaces.
  • the brushes each undergo a movement of horizontal rotation and the brush assembly also undergoes a movement of reciprocating horizontal translation.
  • U.S. Pat. No. 5,436,105 discloses a brushing method which combines both brushing in a horizontal to-and-fro movement in a direction that is transverse to the direction of forward travel of the photopolymer sheet and rotational brushing using brushes with circular brushing surfaces.
  • this type of brushing gives rise to a major drawback in that the mechanical stresses created on the photopolymer sheet by the various movements are such that the stresses oppose the uniform and precise progression of the photopolymer sheet through the brushing section.
  • the present invention serves to overcome this drawback by providing brushes that are offset by 180° in horizontal rotation with respect to the immediately adjacent brush, or to the two immediately adjacent brushes in a row of brushes. Such rotation of the brush, or of the two brushes immediately adjacent to each brush, has the effect of cancelling the stresses caused by rotation of the brush on the photopolymer sheet so that the photopolymer sheet can then progress through the brushing section with the required precision.
  • the improvements of the present invention can both improve the brushing step described in European Patent Application No. 0,592,343 and allow the brushing step to be performed even more quickly, by performing it continuously.
  • the brushing section (which is defined by the extreme positions of the brushes throughout the brushing step) allows the photopolymer sheets to be brushed across their width, irrespective of their length. It is also advantageous that when the movement (a recipricating horizontal translation) of the set of brushes is performed in a direction that is at a right angle to the direction of travel of the photopolymer sheet, through the brushes section, the entire surface of the photopolymer sheet is brushed by at least two adjacent brushes.
  • crank-type transmission shaft be arranged at each end of the brushes, and that the cranks are rotated using a single motor.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of the brushing section where the method of the present invention is implemented.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a brush according to the present invention, which is fitted with two cranks.
  • FIGS. 3A through 3D sequentially illustrate movement of the brushes, in horizontal rotation, at 0°, 90°, 180° and 270° with respect to an origin, respectively.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a method, according to the present invention, for making plates from a sheet ( 1 ) of a photopolymer which has previously been exposed to ultraviolet radiation in order to convert the photopolymer sheets into printing plates for flexographic, letterpress or dry-offset printing.
  • One stage of the manufacturing process is comprised of brushing the exposed face of the sheet ( 1 ) with a brush assembly ( 10 ) including a row ( 2 ) of flat brushes ( 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ) having generally rectangular brushing surfaces.
  • the brushes ( 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ) each undergo a movement ( 40 ) of horizontal rotation and the brush assembly ( 10 ) also undergoes at least one movement ( 20 ) of reciprocating horizontal translation.
  • each brush ( 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ) is offset by 180° in its horizontal rotation ( 40 ) with respect to the immediately adjacent brush, or to the two immediately adjacent brushes in the row ( 2 ) of brushes.
  • the stresses induced in the sheet ( 1 ) by the rotation of each brush are cancelled by the stresses induced in the opposite direction on the sheet ( 1 ) by the rotation of the immediately adjacent brush, or of the two immediately adjacent brushes in the row ( 2 ) of brushes.
  • the method of the present invention is further characterized by a brushing operation which is performed continuously, in a brushing section ( 50 ), by advancing ( 60 ) the sheet ( 1 ) at a constant speed through the brushing section ( 50 ).
  • a brushing operation which is performed continuously, in a brushing section ( 50 ), by advancing ( 60 ) the sheet ( 1 ) at a constant speed through the brushing section ( 50 ).
  • the brushing section ( 50 ) is defined by the extreme positions of the brushes. On the one hand, the brushing section ( 50 ) is defined by the furthest forward and furthest back positions of the brushes, in the direction of forward travel ( 60 ). On the other hand, the brushing section ( 50 ) is defined by the furthest forward and furthest back positions of the brushes, in a direction at a right angle to the direction of forward travel ( 60 ).
  • the photopolymer sheet ( 1 ) is preferably introduced into the brushing section ( 50 ) at a right angle to the width of the brushes ( 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ), in a direction lengthwise to the brushes ( 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ), so that brushing is more effective.
  • the brushing section ( 50 ) does not necessarily cover the entire length of the photopolymer sheet ( 1 ), but will cover at least the width of the sheet ( 1 ) in the direction of forward travel ( 60 ). This makes it possible to produce very long plates which were previously impossible to produce.
  • the speed of the horizontal rotation ( 40 ) of each brush ( 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ) is preferably constant and identical in terms of direction and magnitude to that of the other brushes. It is also preferable that all of the horizontal rotations ( 40 ) are achieved using a single, motor-type, rotational drive.
  • reciprocating horizontal translation ( 20 ) plays no part in achieving the multi-directional brushing needed to form an ideal relief.
  • the movement of reciprocating horizontal translation ( 20 ) is useful only in evening out the brushing across the entire surface that is to be brushed.
  • the movement of reciprocating horizontal translation ( 20 ) may be performed at a slow speed in order to minimize the risk of moving the photopolymer sheet ( 1 ) during brushing. As a result, all portions of the sheet ( 1 ) which have to be brushed are done so perfectly and quickly.
  • An apparatus for implementing the method of the present invention is generally comprised of a brush assembly ( 10 ) having a row ( 2 ) of flat brushes ( 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ) with generally rectangular brushing surfaces.
  • the brushes ( 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ) each undergo a movement ( 40 ) of horizontal rotation and the brush assembly ( 10 ) also undergoes at least one movement of reciprocating horizontal translation ( 20 ).
  • Each brush ( 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ) is driven in horizontal rotation ( 40 ), by at least one crank ( 110 , 110 ′, 120 , 120 ′, 130 , 130 ′, 140 , 140 ′), as illustrated in FIG. 2 .
  • each brush ( 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ) is driven in horizontal rotation ( 40 ) by two cranks ( 110 , 110 ′), ( 120 , 120 ′), ( 130 , 130 ′), ( 140 , 140 ′), respectively.
  • Each crank has an input shaft, driven in rotation by suitable means, and an output shaft connected directly to the brush.
  • the input shafts of each crank are offset with respect to the output shafts, but the input shafts of each pair of cranks are rotated together and turn at the same speed. This is preferably done using a single means of rotation, and means for inverting the transmission from one adjacent brush to the next in the row ( 2 ).
  • the output shafts of each pair of cranks are always in the same angular position, and always give rise to the same movement of horizontal rotation ( 40 ) of the brushes ( 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ). Furthermore, the output shafts of each pair of cranks are always in the same angular position as the output shafts of each pair of cranks of the brush or brushes located just after the immediately adjacent brush or brushes in the row ( 2 ).
  • the number of brushes essentially depends on the width of the brushing section that needs to be covered. There is preferably an even number of brushes ( 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ). If the rate of advance ( 60 ) is very high, it is possible to juxtapose a number of brushing sections ( 50 ) in the direction of forward travel ( 60 ) so as to improve the brushing process.
  • FIGS. 3A through 3D sequentially illustrate an example of the movement of horizontal rotation ( 40 ) and of the offset of 180° between two immediately adjacent brushes in the row ( 2 ).
  • the movement of reciprocating horizontal translation ( 20 ) is not illustrated in these figures, and the cranks ( 110 , 110 ′, 120 , 120 ′, 130 , 130 ′, 140 , 140 ′) are shown with rectangular crank webs, rather than the circular ones illustrated in FIG. 2 .
  • FIG. 3A illustrates a starting position, with respect to the direction of horizontal rotation ( 40 )
  • FIG. 3B illustrates the position of the brushes after a rotation through 90° with respect to the position illustrated in FIG. 3 A.
  • FIG. 3C then illustrates the position of the brushes after a rotation through 180° with respect to the position illustrated in FIG. 3 A.
  • FIG. 3D then illustrates the position of the brushes after a rotation through 270° with respect to the position illustrated in FIG. 3 A.
  • the brush ( 12 ) is in its furthest back position with respect to the direction of forward travel ( 60 ) and is in a central position with respect to the direction ( 60 ′), defined arbitrarily.
  • the brush ( 12 ) is in its furthest back position with respect to the direction ( 60 ′) and is in a central position with respect to the direction of forward travel ( 60 ).
  • the brush ( 12 ) is in its furthest forward position with respect to the direction of forward travel ( 60 ) and is in a central position with respect to the direction ( 60 ′).
  • FIG. 3A the brush ( 12 ) is in its furthest back position with respect to the direction of forward travel ( 60 ) and is in a central position with respect to the direction ( 60 ′).
  • the brush ( 12 ) is in its furthest forward position with respect to the direction ( 60 ′) and in a central position with respect to the direction of forward travel ( 60 ). From this, it is clearly seen that in all positions, the brush ( 12 ) occupies a position which is exactly 180° from the positions occupied by the immediately adjacent brushes ( 11 , 13 ) in the row ( 2 ).
  • FIGS. 3A through 3D also illustrate that the spacing between each brush ( 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ) forming the row ( 2 ) is variable, and that the spacing between the input shafts of the cranks ( 110 , 120 , 130 , 140 ), on the one hand, and between the input shafts of the cranks ( 110 ′, 120 ′, 130 ′, 140 ′), on the other hand, are always identical as a result of the respective retaining bars ( 21 , 21 ′).

Landscapes

  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Photosensitive Polymer And Photoresist Processing (AREA)
  • Manufacture Or Reproduction Of Printing Formes (AREA)
  • Chair Legs, Seat Parts, And Backrests (AREA)
  • Preparation Of Compounds By Using Micro-Organisms (AREA)
  • Blow-Moulding Or Thermoforming Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Printing Plates And Materials Therefor (AREA)
  • Manufacturing Of Printed Wiring (AREA)
  • Exposure And Positioning Against Photoresist Photosensitive Materials (AREA)
  • Manufacturing Of Electric Cables (AREA)
  • Extrusion Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Superconductors And Manufacturing Methods Therefor (AREA)

Abstract

A method for making plates from photopolymer sheets which have previously been exposed to ultraviolet radiation, to convert the sheets into printing plates for flexographic, letterpress or dry-offset printing, includes brushing the exposed faces of the sheets with a brush assembly having a row of flat brushes with generally rectangular brushing surfaces. The brushes each undergo a movement of horizontal rotation and the brush assembly also undergoes at least one movement of reciprocating horizontal translation. Each brush is offset by 180° in its horizontal rotation with respect to the immediately adjacent brush, or to the two immediately adjacent brushes in the row. Also disclosed is an apparatus for performing the method.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a method for producing flexible plates from a photopolymer sheet. Such plates are usable for producing printed matter which is printed using a flexographic, letterpress or dry-offset printing method. More particularly, the present invention relates to the step of brushing the photopolymer sheet used for making such plates, and to a device for implementing the method of the present invention.
Flexible plates are usually produced by exposing a sensitive sheet of photopolymer material to ultraviolet radiation, with the interposition of a negative film which leaves those zones which need to appear in relief on the plate when the plate is finished exposed to the radiation. The radiation hardens the exposed zones. The material of the protected surface is then removed by brushing the photopolymer sheet using flat or rotary brushes, and a solvent or an aqueous base, depending on the type of sheet.
In the method of the present invention, the exposed face of the sheet is brushed by a brush assembly made up of a row of flat brushes with essentially rectangular brushing surfaces. The brushes each undergo a movement of horizontal rotation and the brush assembly also undergoes a movement of reciprocating horizontal translation.
Methods for producing flexible plates are known from the prior art. In particular, European Patent Application No. 0,592,343, which is incorporated herein by reference and which is commonly owned, discloses an automated method for making flexible plates from a sheet introduced with the sensitive face uppermost, and an apparatus for implementing the disclosed method. The present invention constitutes an improvement to this earlier application.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,436,105, in particular, the drawings, discloses a brushing method which combines both brushing in a horizontal to-and-fro movement in a direction that is transverse to the direction of forward travel of the photopolymer sheet and rotational brushing using brushes with circular brushing surfaces. However, this type of brushing gives rise to a major drawback in that the mechanical stresses created on the photopolymer sheet by the various movements are such that the stresses oppose the uniform and precise progression of the photopolymer sheet through the brushing section.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention serves to overcome this drawback by providing brushes that are offset by 180° in horizontal rotation with respect to the immediately adjacent brush, or to the two immediately adjacent brushes in a row of brushes. Such rotation of the brush, or of the two brushes immediately adjacent to each brush, has the effect of cancelling the stresses caused by rotation of the brush on the photopolymer sheet so that the photopolymer sheet can then progress through the brushing section with the required precision.
The improvements of the present invention can both improve the brushing step described in European Patent Application No. 0,592,343 and allow the brushing step to be performed even more quickly, by performing it continuously.
Advantageously, the brushing section (which is defined by the extreme positions of the brushes throughout the brushing step) allows the photopolymer sheets to be brushed across their width, irrespective of their length. It is also advantageous that when the movement (a recipricating horizontal translation) of the set of brushes is performed in a direction that is at a right angle to the direction of travel of the photopolymer sheet, through the brushes section, the entire surface of the photopolymer sheet is brushed by at least two adjacent brushes.
Regarding the transmission of rotational movement, it is recommended that at least one crank-type transmission shaft be arranged at each end of the brushes, and that the cranks are rotated using a single motor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be better understood with reference to the description of the invention which is provided below, and which is given by way of explanation with reference to the following drawings.
FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of the brushing section where the method of the present invention is implemented.
FIG. 2 illustrates a brush according to the present invention, which is fitted with two cranks.
FIGS. 3A through 3D sequentially illustrate movement of the brushes, in horizontal rotation, at 0°, 90°, 180° and 270° with respect to an origin, respectively.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 illustrates a method, according to the present invention, for making plates from a sheet (1) of a photopolymer which has previously been exposed to ultraviolet radiation in order to convert the photopolymer sheets into printing plates for flexographic, letterpress or dry-offset printing. One stage of the manufacturing process is comprised of brushing the exposed face of the sheet (1) with a brush assembly (10) including a row (2) of flat brushes (11, 12, 13, 14) having generally rectangular brushing surfaces. The brushes (11, 12, 13, 14) each undergo a movement (40) of horizontal rotation and the brush assembly (10) also undergoes at least one movement (20) of reciprocating horizontal translation.
In accordance with the method of the present invention, each brush (11, 12, 13, 14) is offset by 180° in its horizontal rotation (40) with respect to the immediately adjacent brush, or to the two immediately adjacent brushes in the row (2) of brushes. As a result, the stresses induced in the sheet (1) by the rotation of each brush are cancelled by the stresses induced in the opposite direction on the sheet (1) by the rotation of the immediately adjacent brush, or of the two immediately adjacent brushes in the row (2) of brushes.
The method of the present invention is further characterized by a brushing operation which is performed continuously, in a brushing section (50), by advancing (60) the sheet (1) at a constant speed through the brushing section (50). As a result, continuous brushing of the photopolymer sheet, in accordance with the present invention, is perfectly compatible with current methods for the continuous production of flexible plates.
The brushing section (50) is defined by the extreme positions of the brushes. On the one hand, the brushing section (50) is defined by the furthest forward and furthest back positions of the brushes, in the direction of forward travel (60). On the other hand, the brushing section (50) is defined by the furthest forward and furthest back positions of the brushes, in a direction at a right angle to the direction of forward travel (60).
The photopolymer sheet (1) is preferably introduced into the brushing section (50) at a right angle to the width of the brushes (11, 12, 13, 14), in a direction lengthwise to the brushes (11, 12, 13, 14), so that brushing is more effective.
The brushing section (50) does not necessarily cover the entire length of the photopolymer sheet (1), but will cover at least the width of the sheet (1) in the direction of forward travel (60). This makes it possible to produce very long plates which were previously impossible to produce.
The speed of the horizontal rotation (40) of each brush (11, 12, 13, 14) is preferably constant and identical in terms of direction and magnitude to that of the other brushes. It is also preferable that all of the horizontal rotations (40) are achieved using a single, motor-type, rotational drive.
It is important to note that the speed of the movement of reciprocating horizontal translation (20), unlike that of the horizontal rotational movement (40), plays no part in achieving the multi-directional brushing needed to form an ideal relief. The movement of reciprocating horizontal translation (20) is useful only in evening out the brushing across the entire surface that is to be brushed.
The movement of reciprocating horizontal translation (20) may be performed at a slow speed in order to minimize the risk of moving the photopolymer sheet (1) during brushing. As a result, all portions of the sheet (1) which have to be brushed are done so perfectly and quickly.
An apparatus for implementing the method of the present invention is generally comprised of a brush assembly (10) having a row (2) of flat brushes (11, 12, 13, 14) with generally rectangular brushing surfaces. The brushes (11, 12, 13, 14) each undergo a movement (40) of horizontal rotation and the brush assembly (10) also undergoes at least one movement of reciprocating horizontal translation (20).
Each brush (11, 12, 13, 14) is driven in horizontal rotation (40), by at least one crank (110, 110′, 120, 120′, 130, 130′, 140, 140′), as illustrated in FIG. 2. Preferably, each brush (11, 12, 13, 14) is driven in horizontal rotation (40) by two cranks (110, 110′), (120, 120′), (130, 130′), (140, 140′), respectively.
Each crank has an input shaft, driven in rotation by suitable means, and an output shaft connected directly to the brush. The input shafts of each crank are offset with respect to the output shafts, but the input shafts of each pair of cranks are rotated together and turn at the same speed. This is preferably done using a single means of rotation, and means for inverting the transmission from one adjacent brush to the next in the row (2).
As a result, the output shafts of each pair of cranks are always in the same angular position, and always give rise to the same movement of horizontal rotation (40) of the brushes (11, 12, 13, 14). Furthermore, the output shafts of each pair of cranks are always in the same angular position as the output shafts of each pair of cranks of the brush or brushes located just after the immediately adjacent brush or brushes in the row (2).
The number of brushes essentially depends on the width of the brushing section that needs to be covered. There is preferably an even number of brushes (11, 12, 13, 14). If the rate of advance (60) is very high, it is possible to juxtapose a number of brushing sections (50) in the direction of forward travel (60) so as to improve the brushing process.
FIGS. 3A through 3D sequentially illustrate an example of the movement of horizontal rotation (40) and of the offset of 180° between two immediately adjacent brushes in the row (2). For reasons of clarity, the movement of reciprocating horizontal translation (20) is not illustrated in these figures, and the cranks (110, 110′, 120, 120′, 130, 130′, 140, 140′) are shown with rectangular crank webs, rather than the circular ones illustrated in FIG. 2.
Taking FIG. 3A to illustrate a starting position, with respect to the direction of horizontal rotation (40), then FIG. 3B illustrates the position of the brushes after a rotation through 90° with respect to the position illustrated in FIG. 3A. FIG. 3C then illustrates the position of the brushes after a rotation through 180° with respect to the position illustrated in FIG. 3A. FIG. 3D then illustrates the position of the brushes after a rotation through 270° with respect to the position illustrated in FIG. 3A.
Taking the example of the brush (12) shown in FIG. 3A, the brush (12) is in its furthest back position with respect to the direction of forward travel (60) and is in a central position with respect to the direction (60′), defined arbitrarily. In FIG. 3B, the brush (12) is in its furthest back position with respect to the direction (60′) and is in a central position with respect to the direction of forward travel (60). In FIG. 3C, the brush (12) is in its furthest forward position with respect to the direction of forward travel (60) and is in a central position with respect to the direction (60′). In FIG. 3D, the brush (12) is in its furthest forward position with respect to the direction (60′) and in a central position with respect to the direction of forward travel (60). From this, it is clearly seen that in all positions, the brush (12) occupies a position which is exactly 180° from the positions occupied by the immediately adjacent brushes (11, 13) in the row (2).
FIGS. 3A through 3D also illustrate that the spacing between each brush (11, 12, 13, 14) forming the row (2) is variable, and that the spacing between the input shafts of the cranks (110, 120, 130, 140), on the one hand, and between the input shafts of the cranks (110′, 120′, 130′, 140′), on the other hand, are always identical as a result of the respective retaining bars (21, 21′).

Claims (9)

What is claimed is:
1. A method for making a plate from a photopolymer sheet which has been exposed to ultraviolet radiation to convert the sheet into a printing plate for a flexographic, letterpress or dry-offset printing process, the method comprising the steps of brushing exposed face portions of the sheet with a brush assembly having a row of flat brushes with generally rectangular brushing surfaces, and positioning each brush so that the brush is offset by 180° in horizontal rotation with respect to an immediately adjacent brush while horizontally rotating the brush and while the brush assembly is moved in reciprocating horizontal translation.
2. The method of claim 1 which further includes the step of horizontally rotating the row of brushes while the brush assembly is moved in reciprocating horizontal translation.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein each brush is positioned so that the brush is offset by 180° in horizontal rotation with respect to two immediately adjacent brushes in the row.
4. The method of claim 1 which further includes the step of continuously performing the brushing step.
5. The method of claim 4 which further includes the step of advancing the sheet through the brush assembly at a constant speed.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the brushes have a length and a width, and which further includes the step of introducing the sheet into the brush assembly at a right angle to the width of the brushes.
7. The method of claim 1 which further includes the step of horizontally rotating each of the brushes at a constant speed.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein the horizontal rotation of each of the brushes is identical in direction and magnitude.
9. The method of claim 1 which further includes the step of horizontally rotating all of the brushes with a single rotational drive.
US09/440,916 1998-11-17 1999-11-16 Process for the preparation of flexible blocks from photopolymer plates using offset brushes Expired - Fee Related US6358326B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9814516 1998-11-17
FR9814516A FR2785997B1 (en) 1998-11-17 1998-11-17 IMPROVEMENT TO A PROCESS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF FLEXIBLE SHEETS AND DEVICE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE IMPROVEMENT

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US6358326B1 true US6358326B1 (en) 2002-03-19

Family

ID=9532894

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/440,916 Expired - Fee Related US6358326B1 (en) 1998-11-17 1999-11-16 Process for the preparation of flexible blocks from photopolymer plates using offset brushes

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US6358326B1 (en)
EP (1) EP1003079B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE266216T1 (en)
DE (1) DE69916974T2 (en)
DK (1) DK1003079T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2221338T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2785997B1 (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080006007A1 (en) * 2006-06-10 2008-01-10 Uhlmann Pac-Systeme Gmbh & Co. Kg Apparatus for distributing small objects in a fill station
CN105903695A (en) * 2016-05-10 2016-08-31 无为县荣华鬃刷制品有限公司 Electric brush for washing mane
WO2017054827A1 (en) * 2015-09-28 2017-04-06 Glunz & Jensen System for cleaning flexographic printing plates
CN112775058A (en) * 2020-12-29 2021-05-11 温州市凌度电子科技有限公司 Surface treatment system and surface treatment method for cladding panel

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20190204745A1 (en) * 2018-01-04 2019-07-04 Eastman Kodak Company Reduced flow rate processing system for flexographic printing plates

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0592343A1 (en) 1992-10-07 1994-04-13 Photomeca Automated process for the production of flexible printing plates, the plate being placed with the sensitive surface upwards and apparatus therefor
US5436105A (en) 1991-07-16 1995-07-25 Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation Method of making subtractive offset printing plate

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS62217249A (en) * 1986-03-19 1987-09-24 Asahi Chem Ind Co Ltd Washing device for photosensitive resin plate
FR2691553B1 (en) * 1992-05-25 1994-12-16 Photomeca Sa Automated process for making flexible plates and process implementation device.

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5436105A (en) 1991-07-16 1995-07-25 Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation Method of making subtractive offset printing plate
EP0592343A1 (en) 1992-10-07 1994-04-13 Photomeca Automated process for the production of flexible printing plates, the plate being placed with the sensitive surface upwards and apparatus therefor

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080006007A1 (en) * 2006-06-10 2008-01-10 Uhlmann Pac-Systeme Gmbh & Co. Kg Apparatus for distributing small objects in a fill station
US7389632B2 (en) * 2006-06-10 2008-06-24 Uhlmann Pac-Systeme Gmbh & Co. Kg Apparatus for distributing small objects in a fill station
WO2017054827A1 (en) * 2015-09-28 2017-04-06 Glunz & Jensen System for cleaning flexographic printing plates
US20180281500A1 (en) * 2015-09-28 2018-10-04 Glunz & Jensen System for cleaning flexographic printing plates
EP3356151A4 (en) * 2015-09-28 2019-06-12 Glunz & Jensen System for cleaning flexographic printing plates
CN105903695A (en) * 2016-05-10 2016-08-31 无为县荣华鬃刷制品有限公司 Electric brush for washing mane
CN112775058A (en) * 2020-12-29 2021-05-11 温州市凌度电子科技有限公司 Surface treatment system and surface treatment method for cladding panel

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69916974D1 (en) 2004-06-09
DK1003079T3 (en) 2004-08-09
EP1003079A1 (en) 2000-05-24
FR2785997B1 (en) 2000-12-22
DE69916974T2 (en) 2005-05-04
ES2221338T3 (en) 2004-12-16
FR2785997A1 (en) 2000-05-19
EP1003079B1 (en) 2004-05-06
ATE266216T1 (en) 2004-05-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
ES2323583T3 (en) METHOD OF MANUFACTURE OF AN ENGRAVED PLATE.
EP0401462A2 (en) Process for making and/or handling concrete blocks
JPS6134177A (en) Magnet driving device
US6358326B1 (en) Process for the preparation of flexible blocks from photopolymer plates using offset brushes
BR9608254A (en) Process for determining a contact configuration representative of contact configurations on successive gear teeth
CN101490618A (en) Laser ablation method and tool
AU562414B2 (en) Feeding patterned web material
DE69737224T2 (en) Chip component manufacturing method and apparatus for manufacturing unit components for chip components
CH656264A5 (en) ELECTRIC BELL MOTOR.
DE1228864T1 (en) Process for making a printing plate
JPH06179022A (en) Device for removing adhesive matter on die
US6416310B1 (en) Shaping apparatus for forming pattern on surface of civil engineering structure using concrete
DE3149907A1 (en) Process for producing a light-conducting panel
JPH028448B2 (en)
EP0006404B1 (en) Apparatus for deburring of flat workpieces
DE19956541A1 (en) Stone treatment appliance has rollers with outer elastic covering,
JPH01241341A (en) Method and device for working hoop for column beam
US1477778A (en) Process and apparatus for making flanged bars
DE1909193C3 (en) Device for structuring building blocks
DE202022103819U1 (en) roof tile press
JPS5978870A (en) Laser printer
SU593942A1 (en) Method of making monumental sculptures of sheet metal
SU848117A1 (en) Apparatus for producing code mask by rolling-on method
JPS61252969A (en) Manufacture of endless packing and apparatus thereof
JP2000104155A (en) Thermal spraying apparatus

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: PHOTOMECA/EGG, FRANCE

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BRAZIER, DAVID;REEL/FRAME:010619/0783

Effective date: 19991118

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 8

AS Assignment

Owner name: HEIGHTS FRANCE SAS, FRANCE

Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:PHOTOMECA/EGG;REEL/FRAME:023379/0007

Effective date: 20021015

AS Assignment

Owner name: HEIGHTS (UK) LIMITED, UNITED KINGDOM

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:HEIGHTS FRANCE SAS;REEL/FRAME:023390/0053

Effective date: 20090803

REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362

FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 20140319